Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX2992, an OFDM-based powerline communication (PLC) modem that pairs with the MAX2991 analog front-end (AFE) to provide a complete PLC chipset for smart grid communications. The chipset complies with the emerging IEEE(R) P1901.2 standard for OFDM-based communication over power lines and offers guaranteed interoperability.
The standards compliance is critical to enabling smart grid deployments, as it helps utilities safeguard their substantial infrastructure investments.

“Until now, smart grid deployments have been impeded by the lack of standards-compliant solutions,” explained Michael Navid, Executive Business Manager for Powerline Products at Maxim. “Building intelligence into the existing power grid will cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Utilities need a solution that is standards-based to protect their investments, to allow sourcing from multiple vendors, and to facilitate the integration of new services and equipment.

“From the start, G3-PLC was defined as an open standard for global implementations,” continued Navid. “Maxim partnered with ERDF [Electricité Réseau Distribution France] and major equipment manufacturers to define the specification, conduct field tests, and prepare to rollout a pilot deployment for customers in France this summer. ERDF plans to use this technology to connect 35 million customers to their smart grid network over the course of their project.

“Now that G3-PLC has been recognized by multiple international standards bodies, independently tested by dozens of organizations worldwide, and adopted by several major international meter manufacturers, utilities around the world will be able to come off the sidelines and begin rolling out their smart grid networks with confidence.”

The robustness reduces deployment costs for utilities. Unlike other protocols, G3-PLC can communicate across transformers, allowing utilities to connect more users to each data concentrator. This reduces the number of concentrators, saving equipment, installation, and maintenance costs. In addition, G3-PLC can communicate over long-distance medium-voltage lines at high speeds. Tested over 10 km, this capability saves the expense of multiple repeaters, giving G3-PLC a significant cost advantage over other wired and wireless technologies.

The G3-PLC specification supports the IPv6 Internet-protocol standard to enable Internet-based energy management systems. IPv6 expands the number of addresses available to grid-connected devices, ensuring that utilities can support new applications such as smart appliances and electric vehicle charging.

Operating over a wide 10 kHz to 490 kHz frequency range, G3-PLC complies with international powerline signaling regulations, including CENELEC, FCC, and ARIB.

The MAX2992 is a system-on-chip (SoC) solution that combines the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers using a 32-bit microcontroller core. The MAX2991 is a state-of-the-art AFE that features two-stage automatic gain control (AGC) with a 62 dB dynamic range and on-chip programmable filters.